Special to the Indy by OCSocialScene.com
Newport Beach’s Pacific Club was the setting for the Hutchins Consort’s annual fundraising benefit – themed in honor of St. Patrick’s Day “Hutchins Go Bragh” – and patrons donned their finest green attire in support of the ensemble.
The event’s silent auction was highlighted by a nice selection of Irish-themed items among more than 100 up for bid.
As guests moved from the reception to the dining room, they were greeted by a “Pot of Gold” opportunity drawing station where they could purchase a tiny caldron that would reveal either a prize or a potato.
Event Chair Barbara Woods said the event raised more than $22,000 in support of the Hutchins Consort.
The ensemble entertained the audience with a lively variety of Irish and folk music during their one hour concert prior to dinner, all clad in casual pub attire. Patrons clapped along with the reels and the entire room was filled with shades of emerald and lots of smiles.
Led by Founder, Artistic Director and Contrabass Violinist Joe McNalley, the Hutchins Consort and Hutchins East are the only professional ensembles in the world performing on the eight acoustically matched violins designed and crafted by famed luthier Dr. Carleen Hutchins (1911-2009).
The instruments range from a tiny treble violin to the gigantic contrabass violin. The other octets built by Dr. Hutchins are in the permanent collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the National Music Museum in South Dakota as well as museums in Stockholm and Edinburgh.
In addition to presenting concerts throughout the U.S. and in Europe, the Consort also presents a regular series of concerts in both San Diego and Orange Counties.
